The aim of the course is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in their further studies and legal practice. Knowledge of the basic principles governing the interpretation of international human rights law and the ability to navigate efficiently through judgments and decisions of human rights courts and institutions will teach students to work effectively with legal texts.
The course may serve as preparation for an English-language moot court competition in international or European law, such as the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition, the Concours européen des Droits de l'Homme René Cassin, the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition, and others.
Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the following skills:
- knowledge of the principal case-law (knowledge)
- the ability to navigate the principal legal instruments in this field of law (knowledge and skills)
- the ability to search for relevant case-law in the information systems of human rights bodies and other databases (skills)
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
The aim of the course is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in their further studies and legal practice. Knowledge of the basic principles governing the interpretation of international human rights law and the ability to navigate efficiently through judgments and decisions of human rights courts and institutions will teach students to work effectively with legal texts.
The course may serve as preparation for an English-language moot court competition in international or European law, such as the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition, the Concours européen des Droits de l'Homme René Cassin, the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition, and others.
Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the following skills:
- knowledge of the principal case-law (knowledge)
- the ability to navigate the principal legal instruments in this field of law (knowledge and skills)
- the ability to search for relevant case-law in the information systems of human rights bodies and other databases (skills)
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
Course assessment methods and requirements for successful completion, grading scheme -
1.The colloquium includes preparation of a written submission for an international human rights law competition and possible participation in an oral round of the competition (Strasbourg, Geneva and elsewhere).
2.Students may use all legal regulations and other materials when preparing the written submission.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
1.The colloquium includes preparation of a written submission for an international human rights law competition and possible participation in an oral round of the competition (Strasbourg, Geneva and elsewhere).
2.Students may use all legal regulations and other materials when preparing the written submission.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
Syllabus -
The course is taught in blocks.The course focuses on analysing the case-law of the ECtHR, the Human Rights Committee, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, and other human rights institutions.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
The course is taught in blocks.The course focuses on analysing the case-law of the ECtHR, the Human Rights Committee, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, and other human rights institutions.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
Learning resources -
Required literature:
1.Tomuschat, Christian. Human Rights: Between Idealism and Realism. United Kingdom: OUP Oxford, 2014.
2.Boulais, Aida Grgić., Palomares, Guillem Cano., Marinković, Ayşegül Uzun. A Practitioner's Guide to the European Convention on Human Rights. United Kingdom: Sweet & Maxwell, 2023.
3.Handbook on the European Convention on Human Rights / Villiger, Mark E. - Leiden ; Boston : Brill Nijhoff, 2023. - xxix, 741 p.
4.A practitioner's guide to the European Convention on Human Rights / Karen Reid. - 7th ed. - London : Sweet & Maxwell/Thomson Reuters, 2023.
5.The European Convention on Human Rights /Francis G. Jacobs, Robin C.A. White and Clare Ovey ; [this edition written by] Bernadette Rainey, Pamela McCormick, and Clare Ovey. - 8th ed. - Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2021.
6.Law of the European Convention on Human Rights / David Harris, Michael O'Boyle, Ed Bates, and Carla Buckley. - 5th ed. - Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2023.
7.Human rights practice / editors : Jessica Simor , Ben Emmerson ; contributors : Anna Austin, Stephen Philips, Karen Reid ... [et al.]. - London : Sweet and Maxwell, 2013.
8.Theory and practice of the European Convention on Human Rights / editors Pieter van Dijk ... [et al.]. - 5th ed. - Cambridge ; Antwerp ; Portland, Or. : Intersentia, 2018.
9.Convention européenne des droits de l'homme (CEDH) : commentaire des articles 1 à 18 CEDH / Luc Gonin, Olivier Bigler-de Mooij ; [préface de Joël Andriantsimbazovina]. - 2e éd., intégralement rev. et corr. par Luc Gonin. - Berne : Stämpfli, 2025.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
Required literature:
1.Tomuschat, Christian. Human Rights: Between Idealism and Realism. United Kingdom: OUP Oxford, 2014.
2.Boulais, Aida Grgić., Palomares, Guillem Cano., Marinković, Ayşegül Uzun. A Practitioner's Guide to the European Convention on Human Rights. United Kingdom: Sweet & Maxwell, 2023.
3.Handbook on the European Convention on Human Rights / Villiger, Mark E. - Leiden ; Boston : Brill Nijhoff, 2023. - xxix, 741 p.
4.A practitioner's guide to the European Convention on Human Rights / Karen Reid. - 7th ed. - London : Sweet & Maxwell/Thomson Reuters, 2023.
5.The European Convention on Human Rights /Francis G. Jacobs, Robin C.A. White and Clare Ovey ; [this edition written by] Bernadette Rainey, Pamela McCormick, and Clare Ovey. - 8th ed. - Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2021.
6.Law of the European Convention on Human Rights / David Harris, Michael O'Boyle, Ed Bates, and Carla Buckley. - 5th ed. - Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2023.
7.Human rights practice / editors : Jessica Simor , Ben Emmerson ; contributors : Anna Austin, Stephen Philips, Karen Reid ... [et al.]. - London : Sweet and Maxwell, 2013.
8.Theory and practice of the European Convention on Human Rights / editors Pieter van Dijk ... [et al.]. - 5th ed. - Cambridge ; Antwerp ; Portland, Or. : Intersentia, 2018.
9.Convention européenne des droits de l'homme (CEDH) : commentaire des articles 1 à 18 CEDH / Luc Gonin, Olivier Bigler-de Mooij ; [préface de Joël Andriantsimbazovina]. - 2e éd., intégralement rev. et corr. par Luc Gonin. - Berne : Stämpfli, 2025.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
Learning outcomes -
Students will:
identify legal issues arising from a hypothetical dispute in the field of international human rights law
analyse the facts of a case and distinguish legally relevant facts
apply provisions of international human rights treaties (e.g. the ICCPR, ECHR, CAT and CEDAW) to a specific case
find and use relevant case-law and the decision-making practice of international and regional bodies
interpret provisions of human rights treaties in accordance with the rules of interpretation of international law
apply general rules of international law (e.g. State responsibility, jurisdiction and attribution of conduct)
formulate legal arguments from the perspective of an individual and a State, or another actor where appropriate
structure written submissions (memorials) in accordance with moot court competition rules
use professional legal English in written and oral communication
present oral arguments before a simulated international court or body
respond to questions from the adjudicating body substantively, persuasively and with reference to the law
distinguish between different judicial and quasi-judicial human rights protection mechanisms and their particular features
assess procedural aspects of proceedings (e.g. admissibility and jurisdiction)
apply the principle of proportionality and other tests used in human rights arguments
evaluate and critically analyse their own legal arguments and those of the opposing party
develop an argumentative strategy and adapt it as the proceedings evolve
work as a team when preparing written submissions and oral pleadings
use legal sources and time efficiently when solving a complex case
reflect on feedback and improve their legal and presentation skills
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
Students will:
identify legal issues arising from a hypothetical dispute in the field of international human rights law
analyse the facts of a case and distinguish legally relevant facts
apply provisions of international human rights treaties (e.g. the ICCPR, ECHR, CAT and CEDAW) to a specific case
find and use relevant case-law and the decision-making practice of international and regional bodies
interpret provisions of human rights treaties in accordance with the rules of interpretation of international law
apply general rules of international law (e.g. State responsibility, jurisdiction and attribution of conduct)
formulate legal arguments from the perspective of an individual and a State, or another actor where appropriate
structure written submissions (memorials) in accordance with moot court competition rules
use professional legal English in written and oral communication
present oral arguments before a simulated international court or body
respond to questions from the adjudicating body substantively, persuasively and with reference to the law
distinguish between different judicial and quasi-judicial human rights protection mechanisms and their particular features
assess procedural aspects of proceedings (e.g. admissibility and jurisdiction)
apply the principle of proportionality and other tests used in human rights arguments
evaluate and critically analyse their own legal arguments and those of the opposing party
develop an argumentative strategy and adapt it as the proceedings evolve
work as a team when preparing written submissions and oral pleadings
use legal sources and time efficiently when solving a complex case
reflect on feedback and improve their legal and presentation skills
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
Registration requirements -
It is recommended that students have completed Public International Law II and Case-Law of the European Court of Human Rights before enrolling in this course.
Last update: Šicnerová Barbora, Mgr. (16.09.2026)
It is recommended that students have completed Public International Law II and Case-Law of the European Court of Human Rights before enrolling in this course.
